CONSTRUCTION projects, mainly infrastructure and affordable housing development, worth billions of dollars are expected to be launched in Bahrain in the next few months.

These include a massive new project to convert the Alba roundabout to a multi-level flyover and underpass, a new ring road in Juffair and a large number of affordable housing projects for citizens. These are in addition to several roads projects to be announced as well as others nearing completion.

“We have seen some of our darkest days early this year. However, we could now be in for a major revival, with 2012 to be one of the best years in a long time,” said Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry contractors committee chairman Samir Nass.

The BD50-million ($132 million) Isa Town interchange project is expected to be completed by August, while a BD25 million contract for the Mina Salman Interchange project has just been awarded with work expected to begin in a few weeks. The BD98-million North Manama Causeway project is also well under way, with work expected to be completed in early 2013.

Nass said there was an emphasis on affordable housing for low-income Bahrainis as well as improving the infrastructure.